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Nets Rumors: Latest head coaching reports are embarrassing

ByJerry Trotta|
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 05: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Jason Kidd of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during a game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center on December 5, 2013 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.The Knicks defeated the Nets 113-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 05: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Jason Kidd of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during a game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center on December 5, 2013 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.The Knicks defeated the Nets 113-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Nets’ latest head coaching rumors are embarrassing.

When you consider how the Brooklyn Nets are exceeding expectations in the NBA bubble, it’s understandable why so many fans are on board with keeping interim head coach Jacque Vaughn around for next season.

However, approximately one month after it was reported that the Nets’ coaching search was put on hold, rumors have surfaced with a list of potential candidates for the position.

According to The Athletic, Brooklyn will conduct a full-scale interview process at the conclusion of their season.

The list of external candidates, each of whom the franchise is reportedly seriously considering, includes ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy, Lakers assistant Jason Kidd, Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue and 76ers assistant Ime Udoka.

The report also notes that Brooklyn will consider retaining Vaughn, who’s led the team to a 6-2 record since taking over for Kenny Atkinson back in early March, roughly a week before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.

While that nugget is encouraging, this rumor (as a whole) isn’t a great look for the Nets, as they seem to already have Atkinson’s long-term successor in place.

We’re not saying that eight games is a sufficient enough sample to determine the potential of an inexperienced coach, but hasn’t he shown enough to deserve a full season with a roster that isn’t ransacked with injuries and positive COVID-19 cases?

Despite missing a shipment of key rotational players, Brooklyn, against all the odds, has clinched a playoff berth and the No. 7 seed in the East with two games left to play. Three of Vaughn’s six wins since being appointed interim head coach have been monster upsets — against the Lakers, Bucks and Clippers — while working with a depleted roster.

The 45-year-old’s calm temperament amid adversity and lack of hesitancy to make adjustments, most of which have benefited Brooklyn, have led to the team rallying around him in Orlando. We seriously hope the Nets are just performing their due diligence on potential candidates, because dismissing Vaughn after his early success would be a huge mistake.

Putting Kidd, who has already failed in Brooklyn, in his place would be outright disastrous.